Designing Guidelines for Metro Stations in Developing Countries: The Case of Dubai

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Dubai metro stations, studying their external roof forms as well as their internal level of services (LOS). The first stage of the study generally studied the best roof form of metro station buildings suitable for Dubai in hot climate regions. Common shapes of roof surfaces of metro stations in hot climate regions such as curvilinear, rectilinear, and composite were studied. Several parameters such as solar radiation, wind pressure, and wind velocity were investigated using an Integrated Environmental Solution Virtual Environment (IESVE) and Flow Design Autodesk in order to select the best roof form suitable for Dubai. Secondly, after receiving the best roof form suitable for hot climate regions, the study was extended to investigate the (LOS) inside Dubai Metro Station using Mass Motion Oasys (MMO). As a result of the study, curvilinear roof forms were found to be more efficient for hot climate regions, matching with the existing roof form of Dubai Metro Stations. Additionally, the second stage of the study provided design guidelines for metro station buildings for hot climate regions

Qualitative Study on Urban Morphology and Social Problems in Multi-Story Housing Projects Ajman City as a Case Study

Urban development in the Arabian Gulf region has been remarkable within a relatively brief period. The urban expansion of Arabian Gulf cities includes many multi-story housing projects of urban form is influenced by those built in Europe during the post-World War II period of reconstruction. According to the literature, these types of urban forms in Europe are associated with a number of social problems concerning the health of some residents, antisocial behavior by youth and some types of crime. The aim of this research is to investigate the presence of social problems in the Gulf housing projects that embrace urban forms similar to those built in Europe. The study shows that some social problems such as vandalism are present in some projects. Thus, further research is recommended to determine the extent of existing problems and provide guidelines for new development

The Impact of the Building Forms of Tall Buildings on Dust Accumulation and Thermal Performance in Hot Climates

This study aims to create an iconic dust-control skyscraper that resembles an environmentally friendly structure, by adapting a new dust simulation design approach. This method seeks to reduce dust dispersion in the air, control dust movement, and siphon it from the ambient air to purify the surrounding environment by implementing design techniques in the skyscrapers of the UAE. To tackle this critical but often overlooked issue, this study focuses on building typologies along the Sheikh Zayed road region in Dubai city due to the area's importance and the existence of numerous renowned skyscrapers. An analytical study was conducted to categorize the typologies, followed by a performance analysis to assess the impact of accumulated dust on solar radiation and the overall thermal performance of the structures. Fourteen cases were evaluated using ANSYS simulation software selected for their basic typologies and their possible existence in reality. The study's design guidelines were set according to the results conducted from running the simulation, as the findings suggested that wind streamlines may easily travel around a circular-shaped structure, while a building's sharp edges act as wind barriers, driving the wind away from the structure and allowing dust to collect on the surfaces. The ideal example, according to the study's conclusions, was the trapezoid form (case 14), which was established by simulation results that demonstrated a 3.4% reduction in roof conduction and a 1.3% reduction in yearly cooling. On the other hand, a biomimetic design approach was also integrated into the study to devise a design concept that effectively responds to nature. Preliminary ideas and potential future avenues for this project are also discussed